On Tuesday November 10, a 22-year-old woman was arrested by Washington, D.C. police after allegedly groping and twerking a man at a convenience store on New York Avenue. According to a recent article at the Huffington Post, Ayanna Marie Knight was arrested and charged with third-degree sexual abuse. Another woman who was said to be involved had eluded police at the time of news reports.

The incident occurred on October 7; the victim, who asked not to be identified saying the ordeal left him feeling humiliated, asked the cashier at the store for help. According to the man, the cashier replied, “What do you want me to do?”

A surveillance video was released of the incident Monday, which shows two women, one in a silver dress and one in a red dress. The woman in the silver dress is seen rubbing her derriere against the groin area of the victim. When he backs away from her, the woman in the red dress appears to touch the inseam area of his pants and makes numerous attempts to cozy up to him.

In addition, the victim said he was flashed by the two women as he pumped gas at the convenience store. After he called police, he said the women continued to follow him. The victim said he felt violated, and wasn’t certain at the time whether the two suspects were women, men dressed like women, or transvestites.

At last report, police were still searching for the second woman and were seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating her.

Third-degree sexual abuse is considered sexual contact such as inappropriate touching whether the alleged victim is clothed or unclothed. In D.C., the penalties for those found guilty of this offense may include up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $100,000, and more.

Michigan sex crimes attorneys know that all sex-related offenses should be taken very seriously. Whether someone is accused of inappropriately touching another person in a private area, sexual penetration, date rape, molesting a child, or any action that is sexually oriented without the person’s permission, it could result in serious and life-changing consequences. In fact, in the state of Michigan those who are found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (the most serious sex-related offense, involving penetration) may face up to life in prison.

For many people, being required to register as a sex offender is the worst punishment of all. This is particularly true for those who may have committed a less serious crime or who accept a plea deal and spend minimal time in prison, as their lives are forever impacted when labeled a sex offender. Finding employment can be almost impossible; you may not be able to live where you want to live, and society tends to look down on those who are registered sex offenders for the rest of their lives. Essentially, you live under a cloud of suspicion.

Regardless of your situation, if you have been accused of a sex-related offense do not wait before contacting a seasoned Michigan sex crimes lawyer. Your legal rights must be protected from the very beginning; the sooner work can begin on your case, the better the outcome.